A retail display showcasing various Victoria’s Secret handbags

Since its inception, Victoria’s Secret has focused on lingerie and women’s apparel, becoming one of the biggest lingerie players in the fashion industry. Known for its collection of colorful lingerie and a myriad of supermodels, Victoria’s Secret has left a mark on the fashion world as an iconic lingerie brand.

But what happens when a lingerie powerhouse wants to tap into the handbag market? In the past few years, Victoria’s Secret has been quietly reinventing itself. From undergoing an internal makeover to hiring new brand ambassadors, it is evident that Victoria’s Secret is heading toward a more inclusive future.

1. The Evolution of Victoria’s Secret
   

   Victoria’s Secret storefront with lingerie on display

   Founded in 1977 by Stanford graduate Roy Raymond, Victoria’s Secret started out as a lingerie retailer initially catering to men instead of women. Named in reference to Queen Victoria and the associated refinement of the Victorian era, it broke into the intimates market as a new concept for women’s underwear.

   It wasn’t until Victoria’s Secret was sold to Les Wexner, creator of Limited Stores Inc, that it began catering to female customers, which proved to be a catalyst for its success. High-fashion photography and glamorous fashion shows made Victoria’s Secret’s catalog synonymous with high luxury and beauty standards.

   In recent years, however, Victoria’s Secret has faced rising criticism and a decline in sales, prompting a need for reinvention. Besides embracing diversity in its marketing strategy, Victoria’s Secret has been slowly expanding into the handbag market, aligning with its core image while proving to be a versatile fashion brand.

   Victoria’s Secret’s expansion into handbags is not merely a trend hop, but rather a step in its reinvention for a broader market appeal. Designer handbags are a natural choice for an avid Victoria’s Secret fan, and thus it makes perfect sense to be included in the wide array of fashion products.

2. Entering the Handbag Market
   

   Victoria’s Secret handbags on display beside Happy New Year sign

   Market data shows that the handbag market was valued at 56.46 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to reach 104.24 billion USD by 2032, showing no signs of stopping. Growth is largely driven by the increasing demand for fashion-forward and functional accessories, giving rise to an increasing number of designer handbag brands.

   Victoria’s Secret has the advantage of a large and established user base, making handbags and accessories easily integrated into its catalog. As evidenced by the dedicated bags and accessories section on the official site, Victoria’s Secret has already made huge strides in an effort to tap into the handbag market and meet consumers’ demands.

   Amid uncertain market conditions, Victoria’s Secret is positioning itself as a go-to for affordable fashion accessories, targeting a diverse consumer base, consisting of Gen Z, millennials, and global markets. So far, Victoria’s Secret has only been dipping its toes in the handbag market, and hasn’t gone for a drastic rebrand. But it is clear that handbags will remain a key part of Victoria’s Secret’s future.

3. Why Handbags Make Sense for Victoria’s Secret
   

   Victoria’s Secret backpacks and handbags displayed in-store

   As a highly practical accessory, handbags represent a high-margin product category with strong brand-extension potential. They are a logical fit for a women’s apparel-focused brand like Victoria’s Secret and offer significant growth opportunities for lifestyle brands.

   It is worth mentioning that competitors to Victoria’s Secret such as Aerie and Knix have also undergone significant rebranding efforts. Starting off as an intimates brand, Aerie has made strides toward becoming an inclusive lifestyle brand, with a shift towards loungewear, swimwear, and casual apparel. This reflects a broader shift in the fashion industry: the future of women’s apparel brands is not in dominating a single category, but in building a trusted, values-led ecosystem that meets the customer across all aspects of her life.

   Victoria’s Secret might be a late bloomer, but its active steps to enter the handbag market show that it is on the right track toward inclusivity. The versatile, functional nature of handbags reflects the brand’s core values—authenticity, practicality, and advocacy for women. More than just an accessory, the handbag serves as a vessel for a multifaceted life, providing tangible value while perfectly aligning with Victoria’s Secret’s renewed purpose as an advocate for women.

4. Top Picks for Victoria’s Secret HandbagsVictoria’s Secret offers a wide assortment of handbags, including tote bags, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and holdall bags. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, with many sporting Victoria’s Secret’s signature pink. Here are a few standout picks that showcase how the brand is blending fashion-forward design with its expanding identity.
   1. Vintage Pink Striped Tote

   A throwback favorite, the Vintage Pink Striped Tote delivers charm and nostalgia in one package. Its bold stripes and roomy silhouette make it as functional as it is eye-catching. Reminiscent of the iconic 2000s Victoria’s Secret campus totes, this bag captures the Y2K revival spirit while fitting right into modern wardrobes. Whether you’re headed to the gym, a weekend trip, or simply running errands, this tote carries it all while keeping your look fun and youthful.

   

   Victoria’s Secret Vintage Pink Striped Tote with black strap

   2. Mini Convertible Bag

   A compact quilted crossbody that transforms into a clutch with a detachable strap—offering two looks in one. The quilted finish and gold-tone hardware add a touch of elegance, while the compact size makes it perfect for essentials like your phone and wallet. An adaptable handbag that makes transitioning from daywear to evening with ease, this is the bag that goes with every occasion.

   

   Victoria’s Secret Mini Convertible Bag in quilted black leather with gold hardware

   3. Crossbody Satchel Bag

   This structured crossbody satchel is a go-to for those who love hands-free convenience without sacrificing style. Its clean lines and secure closure make it a versatile handbag fit for both formal and casual events. With just enough space for your phone, wallet, and keys, it’s the perfect everyday companion for your outings and errands.

   

   Victoria’s Secret Crossbody Satchel Bag with gold chain strap

   4. PINK x LoveShackFancy Tote Bag

   This limited-edition tote from the PINK x LoveShackFancy collaboration blends the youthful energy of PINK with the romantic aesthetic of LoveShackFancy. Featuring the playful Icon Gingham print, it is designed for fashion lovers who want their accessories to double as statement pieces.

   

   Limited edition PINK x LoveShackFancy Tote Bag

    

5. Risks & Challenges Facing Victoria’s SecretWhile Victoria’s Secret’s move into the handbag market appears to be a smart choice for the lingerie giant, it is not one without risks and challenges.
   

   Victoria’s Secret pink handbags on display with 40% off promotion sign

   First of all, competition between handbag brands is fierce. Victoria’s Secret must compete with luxury players such as Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton for market share. On top of that, fast fashion brands like Shein and Zara are taking away a significant portion of the market, winning over consumers’ hearts (and wallets) with their highly affordable handbags.

   This is amid a general decline in Victoria’s Secret’s brand performance, with many critics deeming it a fashion brand with “outdated” views. If Victoria’s Secret is to prove itself to be a current brand with modern views, it must revamp its branding approach and ensure its handbags are not just products, but authentic extensions of its new identity. To succeed, it needs to stand out in the handbag market with unique and high-quality handbags that resonate with its renewed values.

6. Conclusion

   From leading the intimates industry to entering the handbag market, Victoria’s Secret has proven to be versatile and open to innovation. Whether reviving nostalgic designs or launching new collaborations, the brand has shown a determined effort to carve out its own space in the competitive handbag market.

   Tying in with its iconic lingerie line, Victoria’s Secret handbags carry an undeniable charm and unique appeal, both essential for success in the handbag retail industry. Despite facing challenges, Victoria’s Secret’s expansion into handbags is poised to propel it to become a more diversified and inclusive fashion brand.